Volcanologist inspires a generation with new book

An environmental scientist at Lancaster University has published a book about his career as part of the "Coolest Jobs on the Planet" book series. Dr Hugh Tuffen of the Lancaster Environment Centre describes the incredible life of a volcanologist in the book which is aimed at young people who are looking for interesting and adventurous careers. Full of red-hot lava explosions, terrifying noise and shaking earth, the book 'Volcanologist' by Hugh Tuffen and Melanie Waldron is designed to get a new generation hooked on science. But Dr Tuffen's taste for adventure began in a far quieter place - Cumbria. He said: "My fascination with rocks - and volcanoes - started early. I grew up in Cockermouth, Cumbria. I loved to go walking and climbing on the nearby hills and was amazed to learn that many of them were actually extinct volcanoes." After studying geology as an undergraduate, and then volcanology at Masters level, Hugh applied to Lancaster University to do a PhD, working alongside top volcanologists studying the Icelandic volcano Torfajökull.